BJP writes to President, calls for stay in decision on next Army Chief

New Delhi: Amid reports that the Congress-led UPA government is planning to name the next Army Chief before it demits the office in May, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has questioned the ‘hurry’ to make crucial appointment in the middle of the general elections and approached President Pranab Mukherjee for a legitimate decision in this regard.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has written a letter to President Pranab Mukherjee and urged him to appoint the next Army Chief after the Lok Sabha polls. Swamy has in his letter said this move will demoralize the armed forces.

“The timing of appointment with demoralize the forces. The timing of appointment will ensure Army Chief’s office is politicised,” he reportedly said in the letter.

The BJP had earlier lodged a complaint in this regard before the Election Commission of India. The saffron party raised its objection amid reports that the Defence Ministry has initiated the process of appointing Vice Army Chief Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag as the next Army Chief.

Former army chief General (retired) VK Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls on BJP ticket from Ghaziabad, had earlier said the government should not ‘hurry’ on making such appointments.

"There is still time for retirement of the present Army Chief and the UPA government should not hurry in making any appointment at this point of time," General (retired) Singh said.

He, however, refused to comment on any particular individual when asked if he was against the appointment of Lt Gen Suhag as the next Army Chief.

General (retired) Singh had days before his retirement initiated action against Lt Gen Suhag and imposed a disciplinary and vigilance ban, which was later lifted by present Army Chief General Bikram Singh, who retires on July 31 this year.